Awarding the redink iron Edict was one of the special imperial means to preserve the rule. Many emperors in the Tang Dynasty awarded such edicts to the founding fathers, crisisquelling heroes, powerful vassals and generals submitting chieftains of barbarian tribes and other outstanding subjects. Many more redink iron edicts were awarded after the An Lushan and Shi Siming’s Rebellion, which was closely associated with the evolution in the Tang society.

border generals in the Tang Dynasty; awarding the redink iron edict; awardee